MELS, a prominent post-production company in Canada, is shutting down its Quebec facility, home to one of North America’s few film development laboratories for professional projects. Patrick Jutras, the president of Montreal’s MELS studio, announced the closure due to insufficient tax incentives to attract foreign productions and decreased investment in local audiovisual production. The company’s photochemical lab will cease operations soon, but MELS itself will remain open, relocating and consolidating some post-production services to adapt to market needs and ensure profitability. Consequently, the photochemical lab and a projection room will close, while other post-production services will move to a new site.
Jutras emphasized the sentimental value of the facilities, particularly the analog film lab, the only one in Canada. He urged for urgent government intervention to revive the struggling local audiovisual sector and preserve Quebec’s expertise in the field.
As the film industry shifts towards digital production, MELS’ photochemical lab stands out as a vital resource for filmmakers working with 16mm and 35mm film formats. Concordia film professor Michael Yaroshevsky noted that MELS is one of only three full-service development labs in North America, capable of processing 6,100 meters of film daily, with the other two located in Los Angeles and Atlanta. The lab has supported various productions, including notable films like “Dream Scenario,” “Universal Language,” “Mommy,” and several Quebec-made movies.
In response to the closure, Yaroshevsky initiated a petition to save the photochemical studio, stressing the importance of preserving film as a medium for aspiring filmmakers. While digital technology dominates the market, he advocates for maintaining access to celluloid for educational and creative purposes, opposing a future devoid of traditional filmmaking methods.
MELS, a subsidiary of Quebecor, a telecommunications company overseeing TVA Group, Freedom Mobile, and Vidéotron, did not provide immediate comments on the situation. Despite being a key player in the Canadian film industry, French-language Canadian films experienced a significant decline in box office revenue in 2025, as reported by Telefilm Canada. To address challenges posed by AI and digital platforms, Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette announced a substantial investment in the Quebec Audiovisual Strategy for 2026–2031 to sustain and invigorate the industry.
